TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: MELISSA VOLLARO, RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: APRIL 28, 2026
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
CLAREMONT HILLS WILDERNESS PARK TRAIL ETIQUETTE AND ELECTRIC BICYCLE ORDINANCE ONE-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
Body
SUMMARY
In April 2025, the City Council adopted an ordinance amending Title 11 of the Claremont Municipal Code to regulate the use of electric bicycles and codify trail etiquette standards within the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park (CHWP). The ordinance allows the use of Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles on designated trails while prohibiting Class 3 electric bicycles, “e-motos”, and any other type of motorized conveyance device. It also establishes clear trail etiquette requirements for all trail users.
This item provides the City Council with a one-year implementation update on the ordinance. Since adoption, staff have observed improved compliance with trail etiquette standards and positive interactions between trail users. The ordinance has provided Park Rangers with clearer tools to educate visitors and address unsafe behavior when necessary.
Additionally, the Claremont Police Department, Claremont Park Ranger unit, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department have not received any calls for service related to electric bicycle accidents or emergencies within the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park since the ordinance took effect.
Overall, staff have found that the ordinance has helped improve safety, clarify expectations for trail users, and support the shared-use nature of the park’s trail system.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the one-year implementation update on the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park electric bicycle and trail etiquette ordinance.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there is the following alternative:
• Request additional information from staff.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The staff cost to prepare this report is estimated at $975 and is included in the operating budget of the Recreation and Human Services Department.
ANALYSIS
Background
A change in California state law in 2023 permitted e-bikes to be operated on trails by default, unless a local agency passed an ordinance restricting their use. After this change, staff received a growing number of concerns regarding the safe use of these devices in parks and on trails. In response, the City Council directed staff to research potential options to regulate the use of e-bikes in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park and encourage visitors to utilize proper trail etiquette.
In August of 2024, staff released a survey for park visitors and the community to provide their feedback on the use of e-bikes. Additionally, staff implemented a “Share the Trail” information campaign to encourage respectful and safe use of the CHWP by all visitors. Staff also researched the policies of neighboring trail systems and utilized this information in conjunction with the survey results to develop an ordinance for the City Council’s review.
In April 2025, the City Council adopted an ordinance amending Title 11 of the Claremont Municipal Code to regulate the use of electric bicycles and codify trail etiquette standards within the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park (CHWP). The ordinance allows Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles on designated trails while prohibiting Class 3 electric bicycles and establishes clear trail etiquette standards for all users of the trail system.
Impacts One-Year Post Implementation
Once the ordinance became effective, staff posted clear and conspicuous signage at each entrance to the CHWP assisting visitors in determining whether their device was permitted. Additionally, staff enhanced existing “Share the Trail” signage to inform visitors that these common courtesies were now enforceable. Specially designed “Keep Right” signs made of flexible plastic and rubber bases were placed in the center of the trail at three key locations to remind users to stay to the right of the trail except when passing. Staff, Park Rangers, and the Friends of the Wilderness Park also continued the public outreach campaign through social media posts as well as at events, distributing flyers and branded “Share the Trail” giveaways at Spring Egg Hunt, Fourth of July, Earth Day, and similar events.
Since implementation, staff have monitored the effectiveness of the ordinance through Park Ranger patrol logs, visitor interactions, and ongoing education efforts. Overall, staff have observed positive outcomes and improved compliance with trail etiquette standards. Park Rangers report that trail users are more aware of proper yielding practices between pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians. Bicycle and electric bicycle operators are more frequently using bells or verbal announcements when passing, remaining to the right side of the trail, and maintaining safe speeds when approaching other visitors. These practices are consistent with the etiquette standards established in the ordinance and have contributed to improved interactions among park users. While there is a small percentage of visitors that disregard proper etiquette, the vast majority of visitors are complying.
The ordinance has also provided staff with greater ability to address unsafe or prohibited behavior. In most instances, voluntary compliance has been achieved through education rather than enforcement. Park Rangers have been able to educate visitors regarding trail etiquette and electric bicycle classifications and, when necessary, address violations through warnings. No citations have been issued for violations of the ordinance as of this report.
The City Council also requested that staff provide data related to accidents or emergencies involving electric bicycles or motorized devices inside the CHWP from emergency service providers to evaluate the effectiveness of the ordinance. In short, there have been no calls for service to any of the agencies listed below related to electric bicycle or motorized conveyance device accidents or fires during the review period.
Calls for Service Related to Motorized Conveyance Devices Inside the CHWP
|
Occurrence |
Claremont Police |
Park Rangers |
L.A. County Fire |
|
Accidents Involving E-Bikes |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fires Involving E-Bikes |
0 |
0 |
0 |
As part of this ordinance, the City also adopted Administrative Policy #10-47 entitled “Use of Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices in City Parks”, which provides avenues for individuals wishing to use non-traditional electric mobility devices for locomotion. Implementation of this policy has been successful and two OPDMD permits were issued during the review period.
Monitoring Trends and Best Practices
Staff continue to work with partner agencies across the state to monitor and respond to trends as they relate to electric bicycle usage in park systems. As one of the first municipalities in the area to codify these policies, Claremont’s practices have become a model for other agencies. In June 2025, staff were invited to present on the development process and implementation of Claremont’s electric bicycle and trail etiquette ordinance to the Los Angeles County Trail Manager’s Task Force, a consortium of representatives who manage trails and open space for public agencies throughout Los Angeles County. Additionally, staff also presented on the development of Claremont’s ordinance as well as best practices related to electric bicycle management on multiuse trails alongside staff from the City of San Diego at the annual Park Rangers Association of California conference in March 2026.
Conclusion
The CHWP continues to welcome more than 450,000 visitors annually, and staff believe the ordinance has assisted in effectively managing electric bicycles and trail etiquette while maintaining a safe and positive recreational environment for the community. Staff will continue to monitor trail usage patterns, visitor feedback, and emerging recreational trends to ensure the ordinance continues to support safe and responsible shared use of the park but is not recommending any changes to the ordinance at this time.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it applies to the following City Planning Documents: Council Priorities, Sustainability Plan, General Plan, 2024-26 Budget, CHWP Master Plan.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Melissa Vollaro Luis Vaquera
Recreation and Human Services Director Recreation and Human Services Supervisor
Reviewed by:
Eric Ey
Recreation and Human Services Manager